Have you ever wondered who runs the school store? Well that would be the oldest and largest club here at Woodgrove: DECA.

Working with highschools all across the country, this organization prepares the leaders of tomorrow in hospitality, tourism, and finance. The Woodgrove chapter of DECA has been on field trips to conferences all across America, including trips to Orlando, Atlanta, and California. Students can win scholarship money by performing well at DECA events during their tenure as part of the club, and the experience and skills gained help students reach future careers.

Senior Kyra Jones is ecstatic about recruiting new members this year and being able to participate in all of the field trips, unlike the last several years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now a Vice President, Jones remembers her first impression when she joined the club in freshman year. “I first got into DECA as I learned about it through my business class, and immediately felt connected to the DECA community. I was welcomed by our three amazing advisors: Ms. Keeler, Ms. Duval, and Mr. Carper, and was pushed to set new goals by the upperclassman who took us in with open arms.” 

Jones, who competed at the state competition, is confident that her experience has helped build her character tremendously. She feels that it has made her more mature and able to communicate with others.

“The best thing about DECA is that you can do as much or as little as you want,” Jones said. 

Unknown to many, Woodgrove’s school store, The Den, is run and organized by DECA students. Officers and Store Managers Haley Weimer and Bailey Fleming prepare to open The Den for the school’s first full week. The two managers plan to integrate new modernized technologies into the store this year, eventually to use in their official DECA Competitive Project, Student Based Enterprise. “We are very excited about the new Clover system, which will allow us to process credit cards and Apple Pay!” Weimer and Fleming exclaimed. Additionally, the managers plan to have an online platform of the store running soon, so parents, teachers and students can shop from their phones. For DECA students, it is a win-win! “Our store is what helps fund these field trips, and we are so grateful to be able to provide Wolverines with merchandise and food every day,” Weimer added. 

“Next time you go into the school, definitely ask how you can get involved,” Fleming concluded. Running the school store is a great stepping stone for Woodgrove students hoping to start their own business one day. The skills and experiences gained on their field trips across the country makes DECA a must-join club to anyone aspiring for engaging careers.